Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen: Testing It Against My Old Apollo Twin

When Focusrite sent over a Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen for review, I was skeptical. I've been running an Apollo Twin for four years, and the idea that a $250 interface could compete seemed unlikely. But I needed to know if I could recommend something affordable to the students I occasionally mentor.

So I ran them side-by-side on real client sessions.

Preamp Transparency

The new Scarlett preamps have 69dB of gain range, up from 56dB in the 3rd generation. This actually matters. I recorded a soft-spoken podcast client using an SM7B—a notoriously gain-hungry microphone—and the Scarlett delivered clean signal without needing a Cloudlifter or external preamp booster.

Compared to the Apollo, the Scarlett preamps sound slightly brighter in the upper midrange around 3-4kHz. Not harsh, just present. On vocals, this sometimes works in your favor, adding a bit of air without EQ. On acoustic guitar, I occasionally had to notch out a bit of 3.5kHz where the Apollo didn't need it.

The noise floor is identical to my ears. Both are dead quiet at typical recording levels.

Monitoring Latency

At 96kHz sample rate with a 64-sample buffer, I measured 3.2ms round-trip latency through the Scarlett. The Apollo clocks in at 2.8ms. In practical terms, both are imperceptible when tracking vocals or instruments. I had a session guitarist track rhythm parts through both interfaces and he couldn't tell which was which.

Where the Apollo wins is the console software. UAD's real-time processing lets you track through emulations of Neve or API preamps with genuinely zero latency. The Scarlett just gives you a clean signal. For $1,200 less, that's a reasonable tradeoff.

Build Quality Concerns

The gain knobs feel cheaper than previous generations. They're lighter, with less resistance. After three weeks they still function perfectly, but I wonder about longevity if you're adjusting levels dozens of times daily.

The Apollo is built like studio gear should be: metal chassis, solid knobs, connectors that inspire confidence. The Scarlett feels like prosumer equipment, which it is.

Should Freelancers Buy It?

If you're starting out or need a portable second interface, absolutely. The 4th generation Scarletts sound professional and cost reasonable money. If you're already established and can justify $899 for an Apollo Twin, the UAD plugins and build quality make sense. Both will deliver clean recordings that clients accept without question.